Hadith #8104

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The Arabic Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states,

ظَفِرَ بِالشَّيْطانِ مَنْ غَلَبَ غَضَبَهُ۔

This can be translated as,

One who overcomes his anger has gained victory over Satan.

This amazing Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the significance of controlling and conquering one's anger.

To understand the depth of this Hadith, let us first examine the key words used. The word (zafira) "ظَفِرَ" means to gain victory or triumph over something. (bil-shaytan) "بِالشَّيْطانِ" refers to Satan, the ultimate enemy of mankind who seeks to lead people astray. (man ghalaba) "مَنْ غَلَبَ" means the one who overcomes or conquers, and (ghadabahu) "غَضَبَهُ" refers to anger.

The importance of controlling anger is emphasized in the Quran as well. Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says in Surah Al-Imran (3:134),

Those who spend [in the cause of Allah] during ease and hardship and who restrain anger and who pardon the people - and Allah loves the doers of good.

This verse highlights the virtues of those who control their anger and forgive others, as they are beloved by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Furthermore, in Surah Al-Hajj (22:37), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) advises us,

It is not their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is piety from you that reaches Him.

This verse reminds us that true righteousness lies in the state of our hearts and our ability to control our emotions, including anger.

Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith teaches us that by conquering our anger, we gain victory over Satan. When we allow anger to control us, it can lead to destructive behavior, strained relationships, and even violence. Satan takes advantage of our anger, fueling it and pushing us further away from the path of righteousness.

By overcoming anger, we are able to maintain our composure and make rational decisions. We are able to respond to provocation with patience and forgiveness, reflecting the qualities of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ). This not only strengthens our own character but also serves as an example for others, promoting peace and harmony within our communities.

Controlling anger requires self-awareness, self-discipline, and a deep understanding of the teachings of Islam. It requires recognizing the triggers that provoke our anger and finding healthy ways to manage and express our emotions. This can be achieved through seeking refuge in Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), seeking His guidance through prayer and supplication, and seeking knowledge from the Quran and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and his Ahl al-Bayt (عَلَيْهِمُ ٱلسَّلَامُ).

In conclusion, Imam Ali's (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) Hadith emphasizes the importance of conquering our anger as a means of gaining victory over Satan. By controlling our anger, we are able to maintain peace within ourselves and in our relationships with others. This not only aligns with the teachings of the Quran but also reflects the wisdom and knowledge of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ), who was renowned for his deep understanding of Islam. May Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) grant us the strength and wisdom to overcome our anger and attain victory over Satan.